The Stream, May 12: Groundwater Levels Plummet in Jaipur, India

The Global Rundown

Groundwater levels are quickly declining in Jaipur, India. An El Nino weather pattern has formed, and Uruguay has achieved high levels of potable water. Sri Lanka is protecting mangroves by empowering women, Central Africa is expanding weather data for farmers, and the United States is debating which waterways are protected under federal law. California’s governor defends his water tunnel plans in the Sacramento River Delta.

“Until you put a million hours into it, shut up!”–California Governor Jerry Brown, on criticisms of a plan to build new water tunnels in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. The governor’s spokesperson said he was kidding. (Los Angeles Times)

By The Numbers

25 meters Drop in groundwater levels in Jaipur, India, over the past ten years. The Times of India

99 percent Tap water in Uruguay that is potable, a higher percentage than the average in Europe, according to the country’s environment minister. EFE

20 percent Amount of meteorological and hydrological services in Central Africa that provide actionable data for farmers to use in planning their crops. Plans for upgrading these services aim to make farmers more resilient to changing climate patterns. Reuters

Science, Studies, And Reports

An El Nino weather pattern has started and will likely continue through the Northern Hemisphere’s autumn, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. The El Nino could have particularly devastating effects in India, where rainfall may be weaker. Reuters

On The Radar

The U.S. House of Representatives will debate legislation today that could revoke new rules proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency to define which waterways are protected under the federal Clean Water Act. The rules have been strongly criticized by farmers. Associated Press

A national conservation project in Sri Lanka aims to provide women with business finance and training assistance in return for pledges to protect mangrove forests. The mangroves help protect the country from storms and flooding while providing wildlife habitat. Guardian

Codi Kozacek

A news correspondent for Circle of Blue based out of Hawaii. She writes The Stream, Circle of Blue’s daily digest of international water news trends. Her interests include food security, ecology and the Great Lakes.
Contact Codi Kozacek